Monday, 9 May 2016

Running for those who can't

Wings for Life (motto: running for those who can't) was set up under the auspices of the Red Bull organization to give financial help in the field of spinal cord research. One hundred precent of all monies including donations, sponsorship and entry fees for the Wings for Life Race goes towards research. Not one cent is deducted for expenses, advertising or any other reasons.

This year's race, the third annual event, attracted a record 140,000 runners. I ran at the Vienna venue.

My personal target was to reach the famous area of parkland known as the Prater, approximately 15 kms from the start in the city centre at Karlsplatz, before being hoovered-up by the 'catcher car'.

Some 15,000 athletes participated in the Vienna race.

All 34 races at venues in 17 time zones around the world started simultaenuously.

In England the Wings for LifeRace started at Cambridge and the 'catcher car' was driven slowly by racing driver David Coulthard.

Here I am on Saturday afternoon, the day before the race, with the Austrian 'catcher car'.